Katherine Ann DRACHLER
1974 - Car Accident

Two-day traffic toll hits 4 in 3 smashups

Four persons were killed in three accidents - one involving suspected drunk driving, another early morning fog and the last a fiery oil tanker crash - Monday night and this morning, according to the coroner's office.

The latest of the accidents occurred about 8:30 a.m. today when a tanker, believed to be owned by a Bakersfield firm, overturned on the Highway 166 onramp to Highway 99, just south of Mettler.

The tanker, loaded with crude oil exploded into flames which careened all the way down the onramp, forcing closure of Highway 166 until the fire burned out.

Driver of the tanker, not immediately identified, was pulled from the wreckage but was pronounced dead at the scene by a deputy coroner.

Victims of the other two accidents were identified as Arnold Belser, 40, 2421 Planz Road, Apt. 9; Arthur Mueller, 61, 10411 Rosedale Highway; and his wife, Katherine Mueller, 50.

The Muellers were killed in a four-vehicle pileup in the fog on Rosedale Highway about 6:45 a.m. today, when patrolmen estimated visibility in that area of the county was about 100 feet.

Patrolmen said all four vehicles were westbound on Rosedale Highway near Nord Road, when a compact pickup slowed and was struck in the rear by a semitruck and trailer. Mueller's van, loaded with potted cacti, slammed into the rear of the trailer and the fourth vehicle sideswiped his vehicle.

The Muellers were the only ones injured in the pileup. He was declared dead on arrival at San Joaquin Hospital a.m. Mrs. Mueller died on the operating table about 10:30 a.m.

Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield, California
November 12, 1974



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